In your first years of teaching, what was the best piece of advice anyone gave you?

Could be dealing with discipline problems, behavior, parents, grading... you name it....In your first years of teaching, what was the best piece of advice anyone gave you?
Read Harry Wong's book The First Days of School. In addition to suggestions about everything, he points out that teachers usually work harder than the students. They leave school exhausted, while students go out to play or hang with friends. Teachers should plan the lessons, and go out at night with their lovely / charming spouse, while students should do the work and leave school tired. Enlightening!





He also wrote,';My parents wanted me to become a brain surgeon. I exceeded their expectations. I became a teacher.'; How great is that? We should all feel that way.In your first years of teaching, what was the best piece of advice anyone gave you?
The best piece of advice I ever got was also the simplest: relax and enjoy it!





I now know exactly what she was talking about. That first year (and even the 2nd) is tough. You're on your own for the first time. You're figuring out the school, the schedules, the rules, the procedures, your co-workers, and the kids...it's hard! But don't get stressed out about the little things. Just go with it, do the best you can and love those students!
the best piece of advice i got was to write down the good/funny things that happen. that way when you're having a bad day and the kids and parents are driving you nuts, you can remind yourself of the good days.
Tread water your first year, doggy paddle the next and swim your third. It gets easier as you go, as your mature personally and professionally and realize that schools aren't what they used to be.
';You've got to get these kids under control!';


Duh, b****. You think?